US Bridges

I- 55 WB Elevated over S Br Chicago River

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 1.1 M SW I-94 · Structure no. 016108500000000

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 2000
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
387 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
75,500
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I- 55 WB Elevated over S Br Chicago River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I- 55 WB Elevated over S Br Chicago River in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 2000, so it is 62 years old, older than the Illinois average of 45.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 75,500 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 74,690 by 2046. The structure is 387 ft (118 m) long and 76 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI- 55 WB Elevated
CrossesS Br Chicago River
Location1.1 M SW I-94
RouteInterstate 55
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.83952, -87.66349
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating93.9 US tons
Inventory rating56.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length387 ft (118 m)
Longest span106 ft (32.4 m)
Deck width76 ft (23.2 m)
Roadway width73 ft (22.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic75,500 (2024)
Projected traffic74,690 by 2046
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$3.1 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was I- 55 WB Elevated over S Br Chicago River built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2000.

What condition is I- 55 WB Elevated over S Br Chicago River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in August 2023.

How much traffic does I- 55 WB Elevated over S Br Chicago River carry?

About 75,500 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is I- 55 WB Elevated over S Br Chicago River?

The structure is 387 ft (118 m) long with a longest span of 106 ft (32.4 m) and a deck 76 ft wide.

Who owns I- 55 WB Elevated over S Br Chicago River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.